JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL
Wednesday 21st August, 3:35pm
City Of Troy @ 6/5
Caldangan @ 7/1
Ambiente Friendly @ 15/2
Alflaila @ 9/1
Bluestocking @ 9/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
THE RACE
The £1.25m Juddmonte International is not just the shiniest jewel in the crown of York’s four-day Ebor Festival (3-35) but it also stands proud amongst the highest-rated flat races in the world.
So truly an international event, and one which has been won by a long list of stars since Roberto inflicted the only ever defeat on Brigadier Gerard in edition number one in 1972. Aidan O’Brien seeks a record seventh success.
THE MARKET
A big field, indicating owners and trainers aren’t frightened of just one horse, especially as that hot favourite City Of Troy famously flopped in the 2000 Guineas and was only workmanlike in the Eclipse (albeit the runner-up Al Riffa and fourth-placed See The Fire have boosted the form since).
Soft ground was blamed for that underwhelming performance by the strong-staying Derby winner – even though conditions were autumn soft when he ran away with the Dewhurst – but of course faster is anticipated this time. Fans of Ambiente Friendly have been aching for a step-back to this distance after fine placed efforts in the Epsom and Irish Derbys.
That change adds extra intrigue to the puzzle, as does the presence of French gelding Calandagan after he swooped for a magnificent, wide-margin victory in the King Edward VII. The four-year-old filly Bluestocking returns to the mile-and-a-quarter at which she excelled in the Middleton Stakes here and in Ireland’s Pretty Polly before her stamina was stretched when second in the King George.
Alflaila relishes the Knavesmire, most recently completing back-to-back wins in the Group Two York Stakes – with Royal Rhyme not far behind – but clearly more is required now. Jeff Smith’s Ghostwriter is promising to do something special at some point, and was also not suited by the rain-softened ground when a close third behind City Of Troy in the Eclipse.
France’s Zarakem was luckless in second in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, while Durezza won the St Leger equivalent back home in Japan where competition is stronger than ever. It’s a lip smacker.
THE WINNER
City Of Troy’s odds are short for a field like this, over this distance so personally I’m wondering about Ambiente Friendly as he has another go at the favourite – what do you reckon?
CORN’S QUARTET
Copper Knight (1-50) may be ten but he’s won seven on the Knavesmire (including this in 2021), and that, plus a recent close fourth and a low weight and draw make him of major interest versus Shagraan and co.
Big money purchases Ruling Court and The Lion In Winter dominate the chat for the Acomb (2-25) but the William Haggas-trained Yaroogh (at a price) has looked useful.
In the Great Voltigeur (3-00), Los Angeles has a Derby under his belt and King’s Gambit has continued his progression, but while they’ve been showing off credentials Deira Mile, an excellent fourth not far behind LA at Epsom, has quietly been given time.
Got to love a talented grey called Got To Love A Grey (4-45).
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